Captain F E Eastwood, 6th Battalion of the
Royal Irish Rifles, a member of the Castletown family, has been wounded at
the Dardanelles. He obtained his captaincy on 23rd September,
1914. (Dundalk Democrat, 28 August 1915)

Sir – If space allows will you be so kind as to allow
me to relate how some of the brave officers and men of the 1st
Battalion Royal Irish Rifles met their death at he battle of Fromelies on
Sunday May 9th, both officers and men doing their best t o
up-hold a name for the regiment. From the commanding officer to the
platoon officers, not one escaped without some injury. The commanding
officer got wounded early in the charge, but succeeded in getting as far
as the 1st line of German trenches before being mortally
wounded in the side, the second officer in command received a wound which
also resulted in death. A Mr. Keinsport, the officer in charge of C
Company, received a wound in the early part of the fight, but getting up,
began to run shouting “come on C Company, let them have it,” meaning the
bayonet, and they did, for out of 200 going in 409 came out. The machine
gun officer ran with the tripod of the machine under his arm, and he fell
uttering not a word. One or two officers fell shooting the Germans with
their revolvers. All the officers were very much respected by the
non-commissioned officers and men. Several men being surrounded fought
with their hands against great odds. One corporal named O’Brien – a
powerful looking man – succeeded in bayoneting several Germans before
being himself finally felled with the butt-end of a German rifle. Another
man a native of Navan was heard to say a few minutes before we got the
word to fix bayonets, “Its either death or victory.” And the last seem of
him was lying on the parapet of the second line of German trenches either
dead or badly wounded; he paid for the charge dearly like all true hearted
Irishmen. All through this charge the men were open to a terrible machine
gun fire, and afterwards for 14 hours a most awful fire from the enemy’s “
Jack Johnstons”. These few lines I write seeing that of late the
townspeople have been closely connected with the above named regiment.
(signed) Lance-Cpl C Ellis. (Drogheda Advertiser, 5 May 1915)

10/5/15 The Battalion left at 11 p.m. and
marched to the assembly trenches at LA CORDONNERIE FARM where they arrived
at 2 a.m. on the 9th to take part in the attack against the
German trenches at ROUGES BANCS.

9/5/15 At 5.40 a.m., when our artillery
terminated their bombardment on the German trenches, "C" and "D" Coys
advanced in lines of Platoons at about 30 paces distance and rushed a
portion of the front German trenches and advanced beyond it to a portion
of a road at Point 830. The Rifle Brigade being on our right and on our
left was the 13th London Regt (Kensington). "A" and "B" Coys
followed in the same formation immediately behind "C" and "D" Coys (minus
2 Platoons) and was subjected to a very heavy Machine Gun and Rifle Fire
obliquely from both flanks from Germans who remained in portions of trench
on either flanks of the line of our advance. Of the two Platoons
mentioned above, one advanced obliquely to the right under the Commanding
Officer and the other under the Regimental Sergeant Major to the left to
check and stop the cross fire. Both Platoons were unable to achieve their
object and were beaten back or killed or wounded. In the meanwhile the
remainder of the Battalion was holding the portion of the road mentioned
above under oblique Machine Gun and Rifle fire and were expecting another
Regiment to go through them and continue the advance. This Regiment
failed to appear, after waiting a half an hour beyond the time appointed
for it's appearance the order was given to retire as our Regiment could
make no effective reply to enemy's heavy fire and was losing heavily in
Officers and men - time about 7 a.m. What was left of this party returned
to the captured portion of the front German trenches and established
themselves there and placed themselves under the command of the O.C. Rifle
Brigade also in the trench. They remained all day 9th instant
and until about day break 10th when they were driven out by
Bombs and heavy fire and returned to our original trenches. The Regiment
having lost all Officers either killed, wounded or missing, they were
brought out of action by the Regimental Sergeant Major and returned to
their billets at BAC ST MAUR at about 5 a.m. the 10th May 1915.
(War Diary, 1 Battalion Royal Irish Rifles)

ELLIS, HAROLD, HMS Revenge. Son of Mr
Ellis, St Peter’s and on the staff of the Drogheda Advertiser. (McDonnell,
St Peter’s C of I, JODS 2000)

EMERSON, Lance-Corporal, EGERTON A, 2 Battalion
Connaught Rangers. From Collon. Taken prisoner at Mons (1914); now in
Lemberg, Germany. (Drogheda Advertiser, 15 January 1916). In
Crossen Germany (15 January 1916) Brother of Herbert G Emerson below and
Lieut James Emerson, who was killed in action on 6 December 1917 and was
awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross 12 February 1918. On Roll of Honour,
Church of Ireland, Collon.

EVERS, CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH, 46, 1st
Tropical Force. Australian Naval and Military Expedition. Born St Mary’s,
Drogheda. Age 26 and six months. Occupation Clerk. Next-of-kin, Ellen
Evers, William Street, Drogheda, mother. Roman Catholic. Previous
military experience, Royal Irish Rifles, four years time expired; Royal
Army Medical Corps, three years, resigned. Enlisted 12 August 1914. Sent
to District Headquarters , 2nd Miitary District, on S.S.
Morinda, as escort for prisoners from Rabaul. Discharged 8 January 1915,
termination of period of enlistment. Enlisted again 23 March 1915, at
Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia, No 1383, 19Battalion,
Australian Imperial Force. Served in Gallipoli from 16 August 1915, to
hospital in Alexandria December 1915. Served 7 day confined to barracks,
absent without leave 2 February 1916 to 4 February 1916. Arrived in
England 22 August 1916. Spent some time in various hospitals with
gastritis. Overstayed leave 2 March 1917 to 5 March 1917, awarded 7 days
confined to barracks and forfeited 4 days pay. Returned to Australia 4
July 1917. Discharged 30 July 1917, medically unfit. Awarded 1914/15
Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

FAGAN, JAMES MICHAEL, 5480, 17/11 44 Battalion,
Australian Imperial Forces. Confusing service file. Age 21 at enlistment,
2 March 1915, but date of the form is 12 May 1916, with “Returned Soldier”
noted on the form and also noted that the attestation was taken “At sea”
on A60 HMAT (His Majesty’s Australian Transport) . Born Dundalk Co
Louth. Occupation Mill Hand. Roman Catholic. Next-of-kin Winifred Anne
Fagan, 120 King Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, mother. (There are
other earlier attestation papers dated 9 November 1914 (X 2) and 1 March
1915 which nominate his next-of-kin as his father William John Fagan,
with indecipherable addresses in London (1914), Ireland (also 1914), and
also Wool Exchange, King Street, Melbourne, Australia . Served in
Gallipoli September to November 1915, then to hospital in Alexandria,
Egypt for one week, returning to service. Admitted again to hospital,
enteric fever, November 1915. To Australia January 1916, then to England
July 1916. Absent without leave 20 October 1916 to 21 October 1916.
Awarded 2 days Field Punishment no. 2, and forfeited 3 days pay. To France
December 1916. March 10, 1917, Awarded one day Field Punishment No 1 for
failing to appear on parade on the evening of 8 March 1917. Wounded 14
March 1917 in the upper arm. To England 19 March 1917. Awarded 168 hours
detention for (1) At Southampton, not complying with an order 25 July
1917 and (2) whilst a patient breaking out of hospital. Absent without
leave 18 August 1917 to 21 August 1917, awarded 7 days confinement and
forfeited 6 days pay. Back in France October 1917. In hospital England,
December 1917, choroiditis. Returned to Australia March 1918, defective
vision. Discharged 28 September 1918 (defective vision). Awarded 1914/15
Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

The following interesting letter from Michael Fagan to
his father is on his file. It was probably censored and never delivered as
it is critical of the conditions in Gallipoli and Alexandria

No 15 General Hospital

Alexandria

Egypt

Nov 29, 1916.

Dear Father

Just a few lines, to let you know how I am getting on.
As you know I was unlucky enough to get Enteric fever. I was first taken
bad with dysentery & as you know yourself that is a thing to make anybody
weak & then it turned into enteric. I was in the field hospital for a week
and then I was sent aboard a hospital ship and I can tell you, I was
pretty bad but I did not like leaving the Peninsula through sickness but
it could not be helped. I did not realise what I had been through until I
got aboard that ship with all its comforts and kind nurses. I was a bit
different to living in a hole in the ground with nothing but biscuits and
tinned meat to live on. Well father by the time you get this letter I will
be in England in fact I will be leaving here in less than a week as I have
over a fortnight in bed and I am feeling as well as ever. I would not have
been bad on the Peninsula if they had only fed us better. We used to do 24
hrs in the trenches and 24 out but while we were out we were using the
pick and shovel all we got out of it was one night in bed out of two. The
worst part of the trenches was keeping awake at night. We had to do one
hour observation by turns with head over the parapet and then you could
hear lead flying and were always glad when day broke. I9t) used to be
great fun watching the damage done by the ships. We would hear a big shell
coming through the air and we would bob our heads up and see jackos
trenches smothered in smoke and dust. I sometimes used to pity the poor
devils in them, I know I would not like to be in their shoes & my best
chum was very unlucky he was hit by shrapnel the first day we went into
the trenches but I saw a good many young fellows go the same way. We used
to get absolutely callous taking no notice of most awful sights they were
an every- day occurrence. I have 9 months service now I am getting quite
an old soldier & I will be glad when this war is over and we will be able
to come home once more. I will have a tidy cheque to collect and it will
help you along a bit. Well father I have not much more to say to hoping to
find you all in best of health & spirits.

A thrilling story of the torpedoing of a merchant
vessel by a German submarine was told to a “Democrat” representative
during the week by a young man, Mr John Falconer, Upper Merches, who is
spending a holiday at home after an adventurous time aboard a British
merchant steamer. Mr Falconer, who is 22 years of age, served some years
in Messrs Manisty’s Iron Works, and on the 12th of July of this
year joined the S.S. Ranza a vessel owned by Messrs Barnes,
Cardiff, and registered n London. His first trip to sea was on the evening
of Wednesday, July 28th, when as third engineer of the “Ranza”
he formed one of the crew that manned that vessel on her trip from
Newcastle to Gibraltar with coal. On the ship were 24 men all told.

All went well until Sunday morning, August 1st,
when about 48 miles South-West of Ushant the crew of the merchant vessel
observed a German submarine a quarter of a mile off engaged in shelling a
steamer. Those on board the Ranza made for their boats as the observed the
U68 – as the submarine proved to be – making straight for their vessel.
All on board got safely into two boats which the vessel carried and
awaited developments. The submarine drew alongside the vessel, and without
a word of warning torpedoed her. In a very short time the Ranza had gone
down. Together in the boat with Mr Falconer was Captain Pugh and twelve
others. The remainder of the crew were in the second life-boat. After
discharging the torpedo the submarine drew alongside the life-boat. It was
a remarkably large submarine, and was equipped with three four-inch guns.
It was painted grey and black. On its deck were 14 men. The commander – an
old man with a long beard turning grey, who spoke English fluently –
inquired from Capt. Pugh the name of the vessel torpedoed, her
destination, the nature of her cargo, etc. On these particulars being
supplied to him he cleared off with the remark “safe return to England,
and kind regards to King George”. The plight of the thirteen men huddled
together in a small boat almost full of water adrift in a raging sea can
be imagined. Behind in the Ranza had been left all the belongings of the
crew, the only thought being to get clear of the vessel before the German
torpedo found its mark. In a short time the boat filled with water, and
the men possessed nothing with which to bail it. Shortly after she
capsized. All thirteen held to the boat, and after a trying experience
turned it over. They were not long in the boat before she filled a second
time and again capsized. This time one of the men held on to his seat to
save himself and in doing to was covered by the upturned boat. He was
pulled out by his companions and everything possible was done for him, but
he was dead. For four long hours the little boat was tossed to and fro in
a wild sea, and the condition of the men, soaked with water, without food,
prostrate with fatigue and on the verge of despair of rescue – was
lamentable. As time passed their condition became worse and one of the
number almost died. At six in the evening a fishing smack from Chancey
picked up the men and landed them at Isle de Groix. When aboard the smack
they were treated with great kindness, and were given dry clothes and
food. From Isle de Groix they were taken to Lorient and thence to St. Malo,
where nine of the crew of the Ranza had already been landed. They had
undergone a similar thrilling experience; their boat had capsized twice,
and two of their number had been lost. They were picked yup by a Dutch
steamer. On Thursday what remained of the crew sailed to Southampton, and
Mr Falconer arrived in Dundalk on Saturday evening last. He speaks in
great praise of the treatment meted out to them by the French people with
whom they came in contact. Everything possible was done for their comfort.
On the Dutch steamer which saved portion of the crew of the “Ranza” was a
wireless installation, and the names of the men saved were at once
despatched to England. When Mr Falconer arrived in Lorient he was unable
to inform his relatives of his escape, his only assets being a suit of wet
clothes and 91/2 d! The captain of the “Ranza” and another of the crew
identified the commander of the submarine as a man who had previous to the
war, captained a trading vessel which made several trips to
Newcastle-on-Tyne.

For weather-beaten sailors the experience would have
been exciting enough, for a young man on his first trip, it was a bitter
introduction to the sea.

(Dundalk Democrat, 14 August 1915)

Ranza: Gross tonnage 2320. Built 1902. Sunk on 1
August, 1915. Captured and torpedoed in the Atlantic 50 miles S.W. from
Ushant by the German submarine U 28 whilst on a voyage from Tyne to
Gibraltar with a cargo of coal. 3 lost. (Tennent)

FARNON, Lieutenant, LAURENCE, Royal Navy. From
Church Street, Dundalk.

During the week Naval Engineer Lieut. Laurence Farnon,
of Church Street, has been home on a short holiday. For some time past he
has been in the Special Service Squadron doing duty at the Dardanelles,
and while at Malta on his way home he say Lieut J P Lavery who, he states,
is looking fit and well. Lieut Farnon himself does not look anything the
worse for the exacting service on which he has been engaged. (Dundalk
Democrat, 26 June 1915)

Dundalk officer’s promotion – Lieut L Farnon R N, son
of Mrs Farnon, Church Street, Dundalk, has been appointed engineer
lieutenant-commander of the Royal Hellenic Navy. (Dundalk Democrat,
31 August 1918)

FARRELLY, Sergeant, MATTHEW ALOYSIUS, 5300, 28
Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Born Drogheda, Co Louth. Enlisted 1
January 1916, age 29. Occupation Labourer. Roman Catholic. Next-of-kin,
Ruby Farrelly, Burt Street North, Perth, West Australia, wife. Served in
France from November 1916 to August 1918. Gunshot wound left hand June
1917, in hospital for three months. September 11, 1917, minor offences
including failure to wear belt and having in his possession a pass to
which he was not entitled and which was expired, severely reprimanded. To
France December 1917. Gunshot would leg, severe, 28 August 1918, in
hospital four months, invalided home to Australia. Discharged 5 May 1919.
Awarded Victory Medal and British War Medal. Also awarded the Military
Medal

28 Battalion, 5300 Sgt. M.A. Farrelly : 5878 Cpl A.V.
Holt

During the attack East on Villiers Bretonneux, near
Amiens on the 8/8/18 these two N.C.O.s rushed a German Machine Gun that
was firing on our troops. They captured it killing six of the crew and
taking six prisoners. This act enabled the advance to continue.

Published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette,
No 61, dated 23 May 1919.

Sergeant Farrelly died in Australia 22 March 1943.
Enquiries were made in 1952 on behalf of the estate of his sister Mrs
Margaret Lyons, recently of Liverpool.

1901 Census, at house no 9 Thomas
Street, Drogheda, Mathew Farrelly age 15, occupation Telegraph Messenger,
son of Patrick, age 64 and Fate age 45. There are six other siblings,
including Margaret Farrelly, age 23, daughter .

Sergeant William Fay, Royal Dublin Fusiliers a native
of Bolton Street, Drogheda, where his people still reside, has been
awarded the parchment certificate of the Irish Brigade for gallant conduct
and devotion to duty. Sergeant Fay has been at the front in France for the
past 12 months, and has a brother Patrick Fay, also serving at the front.
The certificate is as follows:-

The Irish Brigade

– “ 16716 Sergt W Fay, 8th Royal Dublin
Fusiliers. I have read with much pleasure the reports of your Regimental
Commander and Brigade Commander regarding your gallant conduct and
constant devotion to duty in the field in1916, and have ordered your name
and deed to be entered to be entered in the record of the Irish Division –
W B Hickie, Major-General commanding 16th Irish Division.

FITZPATRICK, Winchman, THOMAS, from Nicholas
Street, Dundalk. Survivor of the sinking of SS Dundalk by
U-Boat attack, 14 October 1918.

(Dundalk Democrat, 26 October 1918)

FITZPATRICK, WILLIAM, R F R (Royal Fusiliers?).From Dunleer district.

(Drogheda Advertiser, 15 January 1916)

FITZPATRICK, PATRICK, Royal Naval Reserve. From
Dunleer district. ‘Was in “Cressy” battle.’ (Drogheda Advertiser,
15 January 1916) (HMS Aboukir, Hogue and Cressy
were sunk by a German U-Boat, U9 on 22 September 1914)

According to the Attestation Papers, dates 23 October
1914, Robert Fleming was born in Dundalk on 26 November 1879. He was 34
years and 11 months at enlistment. His occupation was a clerk and he was
unmarried. Next of kin was given as Mrs M Brownlee, 81 Park Street,
Dundalk. He was in the local militia, and served 6 weeks garrison duty in
the 96th Regiment. He was 5 feet, 7 and a half inches high, with a dark
complexion , light hazel eyes and black hair. He was a member of the
Church of England.

The Military Medal has also been won by Company Quarter
Master Sergeant Thomas Fleming of the Machine Gun Corps, attached to the
Salonica Front. Sergeant Fleming is a native of the Dale, Drogheda, and
has seen a great deal of active service both in France and Salonica. The
news of his success has elicited much satisfaction in his native town,
where he is known as an efficient and courageous soldier. He too deserves
congratulations on his gallantry and devotion to duty. (Drogheda Argus,
15 September 1917)

We hear that Mr Eddie Flood, eldest son of Dr E F
Flood, J P, is on his way to France with the New Zealand Expeditionary
Force. Mr Flood went to New Zealand a couple of years ago on the advice of
his doctors after a temporary breakdown in health, and, thanks to an
active life in an invigorating climate, he has grown strong and robust. In
New Zealand all young men have to join the territorial defence force. It
is from this little army, already trained, that the Expeditionary Force
has been sent to France and, as we have said, it is Mr Eddie Flood’s
fortune to be attached to the medical corps of the machine gun detachment.
We hope to hear him tell the tale of his campaigning experiences before
many months are over. (Dundalk Democrat, 3 October 1914)

Mr Eddie Flood, eldest son of Dr. E F Flood, is home
for a brief furlough. Mr Flood is a member of the Medical Corps of the New
Zealand Expeditionary Force, which has played so splendid a part in the
Gallipoli campaign. As our readers will remember he had almost finished
his medical course when, a couple of years ago, a breakdown in health
rendered it advisable that he should remove to a warmer climate. His
medical training consequently made him an extremely useful member of the
Colonial Corps, and since the beginning of the Gallipoli campaign, he has
rendered splendid service. AS the New Zealand Force, until the late
landing of the 10th Irish Division at Suvla, held only a narrow
strip of rocky coast on the west of the peninsula – the advance trenches
being only a short distance inland from the cliffs on which the New
Zealanders made their daring and precarious landing – the members of the
ambulance and medical corps have been practically all the time in the
firing line and in daily touch with the deeds of heroism that have won for
the New Zealanders so splendid a reputation. The many friends of Mr. Flood
and his family will be glad to know that he is in vigorous health and the
cheeriest of spirits.

On 24 December 1922, a convoy of National Army troops
was engaged on follow-up searches for Irregulars in the Castlebellingham
area. Having difficulty in locating one of the houses which they wished to
search, one group of soldiers came upon Jack Doyle, took him up in a
lorry, and either forced him or persuaded him to show them their target.
Jack Doyle was an ex British soldier from Castlebellingham. On the morning
of 29 December Jack Doyle was found at Lynns, near Annagassan, by Thomas
Flood, himself an ex-soldier, shot six or seven times. There was a card
with the words “convicted spy” on his chest. The inquest jury found that
Doyle was ‘foully murdered by some person or persons unknown’. (extract
from unpublished PhD thesis, Violence and political factionalism and
their affects on North Louth 1874-1943, Donal Hall (Maynooth, 2009))

The eldest son of Mr J J Flynn, J P, late manager of
the Hibernian Bank, Dundalk, has received a commission in the Leinster
Regiment. Lieutenant Flynn received his early education at St. Mary’s
College, Dundalk, and is a graduate of Trinity. He is well known here as a
good all-round sportsman, a keen cricketer, and equally prominent on the
football field and on the golf links.

(Dundalk Democrat, 23 January 1915)

Some of our young Dundalk men who joined the army in
the past year are just gone to the front. They include Lieuts. Roe, Brown,
Flynn and Hall who are all serving in the same Irish Battalion. Surgeon
Lavery has also gone to France to join the medical corps there. (Dundalk
Democrat, 5 August 1916)

Not a few fine young men have left Dundalk during the
last month or so to join the Irish Guards or other regiments for service
during the war. Many of these young men are of a class well described as
“comfortable”, and they joined the army at this crises because they
believed it a duty upon them to bear a hand in checking the German menace.
They went without any drum-beating or flag waving, but not without
abundant good wishes for their safety through the imminent perils of war.
When our well-known public men volunteer for active service they cannot
slip away unnoticed. This week Louth has sent away three such men – Sir
Vere Foster, Chairman of the Ardee Board of Guardians, who has gone for
training with the Norfolk Yeomanry; Mr W A Doran Chairman of the Louth
County Council, who has enlisted in the new Irish Brigade, and Mr S H
Moynagh, solicitor, Vice-chairman of the urban Council, who has joined the
Rugby battalion of the Dublin Fusiliers. This trio represents a very
notable contribution to the new army. We think everybody – even the few
who pretend they are Pro-German (but are in their secret hearts nothing of
the kind) – will compliment these recruits on their pluck: especially in
having “listed” in the rank and file instead of seeking the softer billets
to which their position and education would entitle them. (Dundalk
Democrat, 14 November 1914)

A correspondent of the “Irish Times” says that in the
list, already published of those who are either serving at the front, or
in training from the County Louth, there were some notable omissions.
Amongst others he mentions are: Sir A Vere Foster (Glyde Court), Major C M
O’Reilly (Knock Abbey), Major Taaffe and Son (Smarmore Castle), Mr R Henry
(Rathnestin), Mr Shaw Hamilton (Ard Ronan), Mr Macardle (Dundalk), Mr
Backhouse (Dundalk), Mr Daly (Oriel Temple). In addition, Major Cliff and
Colonel Guinness each have a son, and Colonel Jones two sons, serving.
These are all commissioned officers. Some 500 men have enlisted since the
war, in addition to a large number of reservists, who have rejoined and
those who were already serving with the colours.

Drogheda officer wounded. Second Lieut-Hugh Galbraith,
Drogheda, who was recently awarded a Parchment Certificate for gallant
conduct and devotion to duty, was wounded on Friday week in the German
offensive.

(Drogheda Independent, 13 April 1918)

GALLAGHER, JOSEPH, 48 Toronto Highlanders..
Formerly of Drogheda, served in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders.
Volunteered in Toronto for service with Canadian Expeditionary Force. Now
in France with his regiment, the 48th Toronto Highlanders.

GARGAN, EDWARD. Royal Irish Fusiliers. From
Blackbull, Drogheda. Member of ‘B’ Company Drogheda Volunteers.(Roll
of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April 1916)

GARNETT, J, Royal Irish Rifles. From Drogheda.

(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April
1916)

GARTLAN, Captain, GERALD, Royal Irish Rifles.

Mr Alex Gartlan, Sessional Crown Solicitor for Co.
Louth, has received a telegram from the War Office informing him that his
son, Capt Gerald Gartlan, staff officer Royal Irish Rifles, has been
wounded.

(Dundalk Democrat, 8 July 1916)

GARLAND, Private, 11708, CHRISTOPHER,
Enlisted in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, 18 August 1914. Served with British
Expeditionary Force in France from 25 October 1914 to 15 April 1915.
Returned to England and joined the 5th Battalion RIF. With the 5th
Battalion, 31st Brigade, 10th Irish Division, landed at Suvla Bay,
Gallipoli, Turkey. Transferred to the Machinegun Corps (31st MG Coy) on 12
May 1916 Number 48037. Served with British Expeditionary Force in
Mediterranean (Gallipoli, Salonika, Palestine) 23 April 1915 to 9 March
1919. Transferred to the Royal Irish Fusiliers 11 April 1919. Served in
Mesopotamia (Persia), 18 September 1919 to 19 May 1921. Served in Egypt
20 May 1921 to 17 December 1921. Transferred to Section B Army Reserve 24
December 1921. Discharged 2 October 1923.

Awarded a 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.

Understood to have enlisted and served with Sgt.
Joseph King, Castlebellingham until the latter was killed in action in
Palestine, September/October 1918.

Son of Michael and Anne Garland, who in the 1911 Census
are shown as living in House 5, Castlebellingham. Co Louth. (Source: Pat
Garland, USA, son of Christopher)

(Listed in Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915,
see Edward Bellingham)

GARTLAND, Private, EDWARD, Royal Army Service
Corps. From Kilcurry, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual 1916).

GARRETT, Captain, GEORGE, Quartermaster 5
Battalion Leinster Regiment. Retired on pension on completion of service
after the last training at Mosney Camp. Volunteered for active service on
the outbreak of war. Retained as instructor because of his great
capabilities in this respect, and appointed for the purpose to Chatham.

Private
Geoghegan, of the Irish Guards, a native of Termonfeckin, near Drogheda,
has returned a few days ago to his native place on short leave of absence
on order to recuperate after being wounded in the great battle fought at
Ypres where the Prussian Imperial Guards were decimated in the furious
charge made by the Irish Guards. He gives a vivid narrative of that
stirring and eventful episode. A comrade of his, a native of Termonfeckin
named McDonnell, who was close by his side on the occasion, was killed.

The German
batteries poured showers of grape and shrapnel, and the advancing
Prussians in close formation filled the air with rifle bullets. The Irish
Guards were ordered to withhold their fire. Onward came the Prussian
Imperial Guards, in close ranks, like a moving wall, cheering with
levelled bayonets. They, on near approach, appeared to be all tall,
brawny, broad-shouldered men, in resplendent uniforms. The Irish Guards
then got the order to “fix bayonets”. With a fervent, hasty prayer, the
Irish responded, and at the word “fire!” they delivered a withering fire
from their repeating rifles and then dashed at the enemy. The bayonets of
both sides crossed, but it was only momentarily, for the Prussian Guards
broke, scattered and fled, with the Irish Guards in hot pursuit, aided by
the fire of mitrailleuses, maxims, and cannon from the British side. The
loss of the Irish Guards in killed and wounded was severe, but that of the
enemy was awful. Their dead and wounded were in countless heaps. Private
Geoghegan received three wounds from shrapnel, one in the cheek, shoulder
and leg. He is fast recovering and hopes to rejoin his regiment in a few
days. Describing the destructive effect of the German shells he states
that one of them makes a hole in the earth six feet deep and twelve yards
square, sending up clouds of mud, earth and stones. The German artillery
is very destructive, but their rifle fire is very ineffective, except at
very close range. During the bayonet charge many of the Irish Guards had
their bayonets twisted, crookened and broken, from impact with the enemy,
and their rifle butts were used as weapons with terrific effect. (Dundalk
Democrat, 23 January 1915)

GLOVER, Lieutenant-Colonel, GEORGE T, Royal
Engineers. Worked in Great Northern Railways, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual
1917)

It is announced in the press that Mr G T Glover, loco
superintendent of the GNR at Dundalk, has accepted a Major’s commission in
the Royal Engineers. It is said that Major Glover is to take over the
management of a railway “somewhere in France.” This, we hope, does not
mean more than a temporary severance of his connection with Dundalk, where
he has been as esteemed by the Company’s men of all grades as by the
directors. The Works have been improved and extended in many directions
since he took over control: and altogether he is far too good a man to
lose. (Dundalk Democrat, 13 January 1917)

Last week’s par as to Mr G T Glover was inaccurate in
some respect. His new post is that of chief mechanical engineer on the
staff of the Director General of military railways in France, and his
military rank is Lieut-Col. Royal Engineers. There are hundreds of miles
of temporary lines in France and there could be no more energetic or
capable man in charge of the rolling stock than Lieut-Col Glover. (Dundalk
Democrat, 20 January 1917)

In the battalion of the Irish Guards now undergoing
training there are over forty Dundalk lads. One of them, a son of J W
Turner, has been raised to non-commissioned rank. Amongst the others who
ought to climb the military ladder are Jack Goodman and Patrick Rooney.
The latter was assistant teacher in Dromiskin when the war broke out. We
notice a statement in yesterday’s papers that owing to the failure of the
Educational Authorities to provide substitutes or pay for teachers
volunteering, only one Irish National Teacher has joined the colours.
Apparently this is Mr Rooney. His uncle holds a captains commission in the
artillery, having risen to that rank by sheer merit.

(Dundalk Democrat, 29 November 1914)

A well-attended “smoker” was held by the members of
Dundalk C.Y.M.S. on Tuesday, the guest of the evening being Mr Jack
Goodman, one of their members, who had volunteered for active service in
the Irish Guards. The Spiritual Director of the Society, Rev Father Kerr,
presided. The Chairman, on rising to propose the toast of “Our Guest” said
they had all known Mr Goodman very intimately: he had all the qualities
that a Catholic young ma should have, and he had proved himself in every
way a worthy member. He (the speaker) had always had an instinctive regard
and reverence for the soldier. The soldier was a man of courage, a man who
was not afraid to risk his life for his fellows, and when a young man
joined the army he showed he was a man of courage (applause).

Mr Augustine Roche, M P, who was heartily received,
said his sympathies were with this brave young soldier who was going to
fight their battle, because it was their battle, and there should be no
mistake about it. When he saw a young soldier now he had as great respect
for him as for a priest. He hoped to have the pleasure of coming to
Dundalk to welcome Mr. Goodman when he returned. There was an element –
The Sinn Fein party. He thought they called it; it was a very small party
– who were opposed to Irishmen joining the army. The Irish Party, however,
including Messrs Redmond, Dillon and Devlin, were very good judges, after
their lifelong services in the Irish cause as to the right policy. The
treatment of Ireland had been shocking in the past, but a change had come
over things 9Applause).

Mr James McCourt said he was very proud to be there to
pay honour and respect to the brave and fearless Jack Goodman. His father
had been the speaker’s colleague in all the movements for the advancement
of the Irish cause in Dundalk. He didn’t think this was the time for any
man in Ireland to raise the questions of the past government of this
country, but later on they would have plenty of men in Ireland to protect
their cause and bring the issue to a successful conclusion. They might
leave themselves in the hands of Mr John Redmond (applause).

Mr S H Moynagh said the connection between Jack Goodman
and himself extended over a long period. He had joined the colours as Mr
Goodman had done, who was accepted, and he was pronounced physically
unfit. Mr Goodman goes on to glory and honour, while he was left behind.

Mr B Hamill J P, said Belgium was a little Catholic
country with a large population. They all felt for the Belgians, and if it
was only on that account and what had been done against them. Catholic
Irishmen should be willing to help them. They had with them the heads of
the Church, who were their directors in more ways than one, and when they
were with them they were on the winning side (applause).

Rev Father M’Keone, C C, said he was glad that Mr
Goodman had taken a man’s part – of course he was a very young man – in
fighting this battle, which was a battle for civilisation. In olden times
in the fight against a powerful nation by the Crusaders the young men of
every country in Europe flocked to the colours. The men who were fighting
today on the side of the Allies were as truly fighting for liberty and
religion as were the Crusaders. They would be in a far worse position when
the war was over with regard to the Home Rule position, if they had taken
up the attitude they had adopted during the Boer war.

Rev Father Hurson C C said he wished to be associated
with the tribute thaw was being paid to Mr Goodman, who was about to
strike a blow in defence of liberty.

The Chairman with a few appropriate words, then
presented Mr Goodman with a handsome silver cross with chain, on behalf of
the members.

Mr Goodman said that from a limited vocabulary he
failed to pick words to express his gratitude for this kind gift, which he
would always carry with him. As a follower of their leader, he thought he
had only answered to the call of “fall in” sounded by Mr John Redmond
(applause). He recounted some of the deeds of the Irish Guards which he
had joined, and said he hoped he would be in the next charge, and when
they sang “God save Ireland” he would shout as hard as the next (applause)

A varied programme was then proceeded with, among those
who contributed to the success of the evening being Messrs M’Ardle,
M’Parland, P.O’Connell, P Hamill, Coburn, Maye, A Roche, M P, B Hamill, J
P, E Goodman, M C C, James M’Court, T and J Goodman. Mr Siraux presided at
the piano.

(Dundalk Democrat, 27 March 1915)

Sergeant Jack Goodman, of the Irish Guards, eldest son
of the late Mr Edward Goodman, has come home on leave. He was in the
trenches when news of his father’s last illness and death reached him
simultaneously; and it was quite impossible to reach home in time for the
funeral. Sergeant Goodman is in splendid form physically and shews no
trace of the hardships the men in the trenches had to undergo during the
winter. (Dundalk Democrat, 8 April 1916)

We hear that Sergt. Jack Goodman of the Irish Guards
(son of the late Mr Ned Goodman, Co. Co.) has been recommended for a
commission – an honour that has been awarded a good many Irish non-coms
lately. Jack Goodman deserves it, if any man does. He was one of the first
local men to volunteer into the Irish Guards after the outbreak of the
war. He has seen continuous active service since finishing his training;
and his efficiency, steadiness and bravery won him sergeant’s stripes long
since. Such a man ought to make a first-rate officer. (Dundalk Democrat,
9 September 1916)

Lieutenant Jack Goodman is home on leave for a few
days. Like many other lads who have given up civil life of the soldier he
has developed extraordinarily in stature as well as breadth. He is
certainly a standing example of the superiority of the ‘simple life’ of
the trenches in which he has spent so many months.

Private Alfred H Gray, son of Mr Geo Gray, Dundalk, has
received a parchment certificate signed by Major-General Robertson,
commanding 17th Division “in recognition of his conspicuous
gallantry and devotion to duty in driving a motor ambulance over bad roads
and through heavy shell fire during the period 21st to 27th
March, 1918.” This was the highly critical time of the German breakthrough
near St. Quentin, when the British forces were driven back by the
concentrated fury of the first big German offensive. Private Gray, who is
attached to the RAMC as an ambulance driver, was constantly engaged under
fire in bringing back wounded men, and repeatedly during the retreat he
was actually behind the retiring line of British troops and between the
contending armies. Strange to say he escaped without a scratch though in
this and other big scraps he has been “in the thick of it.” (Dundalk
Democrat, 3 August 1918)

In the recent heavy fighting, Private Louis Greene, at
present attached to the Royal Irish Regiment, was severely wounded and his
father, Mr Edward Greene, North Quay, Drogheda, has been notified that he
was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, last week. Private
Greene saw service in the Indian Frontier, and was treated for frost bite
at St. Omer’s hospital, France, in the beginning of the war. A year after
he suffered from gas poisoning, for which he was successfully treated at
the War Hospital, Edinburgh.

GROGAN, JOHN, 2369, 19/12th Light
Horse, Australian Imperial Force. Born Ardee Co Louth. Age 42, occupation
Cook. Enlisted 12 March 1917. Roman Catholic. Next-of-kin noted as
cousin, also noted with the word ‘Legallee’ or ‘Legattee’, Mary Maginn,
Greenmount, Castlebellingham, Co Louth. Noted ‘Advise Mrs M Shea of any
further reports concerning this soldier. Mrs M Shea , Queens College,
Summer Hill, Sydney.’ Previous military experience two six month periods
in (data indecipherable) (CMR and NMR?) time expired, South Africa. In
Egypt 25 March 1917, to isolation camp on same day.. To hospital sick in
September and November 1918. Evacuated Damascus September 1918 wih
influenza. To Australia with TB, 12 April 1919. Arrived Australia 18 May
1919. Discharged 17 May 1921. An enquiry as to his whereabouts, dated 8
April, 1919 from Mrs Mary Shea, Queen’s College, Summer Hill, Sydney, who
claimed to be his cousin, is on file. Awarded Victory Medal and British
War Medal.

The last (National Army) fatality in Louth in 1922 was
twenty-four year old Volunteer Charles Gyles … . A native of Dundalk from
Bachelor’s Walk, he was shot and wounded in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on
the Thursday 30 November just yards from his home. Gyles, wearing a
civilian coat and army trousers, was approached by two men, two shots rang
out which found their target, and Gyles collapsed and shouted “Oh my God,
I am shot”. The two men, both of whom were carrying handguns, ran down
Bachelor’s Walk, pursued by an army sergeant who fired two shots at them,
but they escaped … the initial report in the Dundalk Democrat recorded
that “it was generally stated in Dundalk yesterday that poor Gyles,
because of his activities in connection with the army here, had been
‘marked’”. Evidence given by one witness stated that no conversation
took place between the parties.

(At the) the inquest into the killing of Gyles was held
on 2 December 1922 … counsel for the army stated:

At another inquest a short time ago I said it was a sad
duty to have to ask an Irish jury to return a verdict of murder against
the two men whose names have been mentioned. Your duty is to find that
they are guilty of the murder of this soldier of Ireland, Charles Gyles …
and I can only trust that very shortly retribution will fall on the people
who are responsible for shooting this unfortunate man.

The verdict of the jury was that the fatal shots ‘were
deliberately fired by two men … who are guilty of wilful murder’.

Charles Gyles was formerly a British soldier who had
served in France during the Great War, and his military funeral to St
Patrick’s cemetery Dundalk, was attended by members of the National Army,
by members of the British Legion, and formers comrades with whom he had
served in the Great War. (extract from unpublished PhD thesis, Violence
and political factionalism and their affects on

Mrs Gyles of this town has had a letter from her son,
Driver Robert Gyles, who is a prisoner of war in Germany. He states that
he and his comrades have been under punishment ever since they were
removed to the camp at Limburg, receive no letters, have their parcels
from home opened and stolen and get the bread that is sent to the
prisoners twice a week from Switzerland only when it is so old as to be
unfit for use. Still, he says, ‘Don’t worry; God’s mill ground sure’.

It is
unofficially reported that Private Patrick Hale, of the Irish Fusiliers,
has been killed at Salonika. No official intimation has been received by
his parents who reside in Chapel Lane, and it is hoped that the news may
be untrue. Private Hale volunteered for service 15 months ago. His
brother, James, who is also in the Fusiliers, is at present in hospital in
Glasgow.

(Dundalk
Democrat, 22 April, 1916)

HALL, Lieutenant,-, Leinster Regiment. From
Dundalk.

Some of our young Dundalk men who joined the army in
the past year are just gone to the front. They include Lieuts. Roe, Brown,
Flynn and Hall who are all serving in the same Irish Battalion. Surgeon
Lavery has also gone to France to join the medical corps there. (Dundalk
Democrat, 5 August 1916)

Drogheda Volunteer at the Front. Private Arthur Halpin,
Stockwell Street, who joined the 10th Royal Dublin Fusiliers
has gone to France after ten weeks training. He had been in the local
Volunteers. (Drogheda Advertiser, 26 August 1916)

A correspondent of the “Irish Times” says that in the
list, already published of those who are either serving at the front, or
in training from the County Louth, there were some notable omissions.
Amongst others he mentions are: Sir A Vere Foster (Glyde Court), Major C M
O’Reilly (Knock Abbey), Major Taaffe and Son (Smarmore Castle), Mr R Henry
(Rathnestin), Mr Shaw Hamilton (Ard Ronan), Mr Macardle (Dundalk), Mr
Backhouse (Dundalk), Mr Daly (Oriel Temple). In addition, Major Cliff and
Colonel Guinness each have a son, and Colonel Jones two sons, serving.
These are all commissioned officers. Some 500 men have enlisted since the
war, in addition to a large number of reservists, who have rejoined and
those who were already serving with the colours.

HANRATTY, LAWRENCE, 4568, Australian Imperial
Force, Born Drogheda. Age 30, occupation Seaman. Roman Catholic.
Next-of-kin, Mr Bernard Hanratty, 27 Scarlett Street, Drogheda, Co Louth,
address changed to 20 Cooper Street, off Cross Lane, Salford, Lancashire,
England, father. Enlisted 13 December 1915. Arrived in England 7 June
1916. June 9 , 1916, charged with using obscene language to an NCO and
refusing to obey the order of an NCO. Awarded 7 days Field Punishment No
2, and forfeit 7 days pay. July 15, 1916 (1) Drunk in camp (2) Absent
without leave from Parade. Forfeit one days pay and admonished.
Court-martial October 24, 1916, (1) deserting from 11 October 1916 to 12
October.1916 (2) Drunkenness. Found not guilty of desertion, guilty of
being absent without leave. Awarded 56 days detention and fined £1. To
France 14 December 1916. Back in hospital England 6 February 1917,
paralysis left side. Absent without leave 22 May 1917 to 23 May 1917.
Awarded 2 days confined to barracks. Left England for Australia 28 August
1917. Landed Australia 24 October 1917. Discharged from Australian
Imperial Forces, 22 November 1917, as medically unfit. Awarded Victory
Medal and British War Medal.

HANRATTY, Patrick Alphonsus (b.1895; d.1958), From Collon.

3rd Royal Irish Regiment (29.10.1915 – 8.7.1916)
10th Royal Irish Rifles (16.7.1916 – 16.1.1918)
Machine Gun Corps (20.1.1918- 1.5.1918)
(Handwritten reference from O/C 29th Batt MGC dated 14.2.1920 in his “Officer’s Record of Service”). Studied medicine with distinction in the 1920s in UCD, achieving first class honours and first in class each year. Awarded the O’Ferrall Gold Medal in Surgery in 1925.
At Messines (serving with 10th Royal Irish Rifles) he was a 21 year old 2nd Lieutenant leading a platoon (and wrote a wonderful letter home to his mother describing the lead up to the battle through to the aftermath).

The supplement to the London Gazette of 27th November 1917 indicates that shortly afterwards, he was promoted to Lieutenant on 1st July 1917; the issue of 22nd March 1919 indicates he was appointed Acting Captain. He remained in Germany into 1920.
His final years were spent as the Dispensary Doctor based in Dunleer until his death in December 1958.

(Dundalk Democrat, 28 April 1917)

HARDY , Lieutenant, -, From Dundalk.

Mr Joseph Loudon has received a letter from his son,
Adj-Maj J S Loudon, South African Horse, who has passed through the East
African campaign (now nearing its close) without receiving a scratch, and
as he had lived for years in its climate, he escaped the fevers that laid
so many of the white men low in that vast country of unending forest, slow
moving rivers and swamps. Another Dundalk man who has been through the
campaign, a son of Mr O Hardy, CPS, has had a bad dose of malaria, but we
are glad to hear he is improving.

(Dundalk Democrat, 28 April 1917)

Another Tank man, Lieut Hardy, son of Mr Oswald Hardy,
C P S, has been wounded in the recent fighting in which he had some
remarkable experiences. We are glad to hear that he is getting on
satisfactorily and expects soon to be at it again. (Dundalk Democrat,
24 August 1918)

Second Lieutenant Harold Hardy of the Tank Corps (son
of Mr Oswald Hardy, C P S, Dundalk, has been awarded the Military Cross
for bravery this set out in the official publication: - “On August ??1918, his tank was held up by an
explosion of a dump of enemy gas shells causing himself and his crew to be
gassed. ON recovering he rallied his men, three of whom had meantime been
wounded, got his tank started again and carried on with the fight. He went
ahead of the objective in order to crush several enemy machine gun
positions which were causing great trouble to the infantry, thus allowing
the latter to consolidate their position in safety. It was owing to his
grit and determination the objectives were gained and undoubtedly the
lives of many infantry saved.” This is a fine achievement and Lieut.
Hardy’s many friends in Dundalk will be proud that it has been signally
recognised. (Dundalk Democrat, 1 March 1919)

HARDY, JOHN M, Army Service Corps. From
Faughart, Dundalk. (Tempest’s Annual 1916)

Born in Dysert, Togher
parish in c1889 (aged 12 in the 1901 Census). Per local knowledge (Cluskey
family & Mary McDonnell, Darver) fought in France and possibly Middle East
in the First World War. He was also captured and became a POW.

He worked as a
labourer for the Cluskey family in Darver. He died in 1960 and was buried
in Mayne graveyard, Clogherhead. There is a headstone but his name is not
recorded. No obituary found but the first anniversary of his death is
noted in the Dundalk Democrat of 16th December 1961:

1st
Anniversary of Stephen Hardy, late of Togher, who died 17th
December 1960 at Manfieldstown. Remembered by the Cluskey family.
(Source Declan Qualie).

Three brothers who along with a forth, Philip,
Lance-Corporal, Royal Irish Regiment who died from wounds,1 April 1918,
from Salterstown, Co Louth. (Source, Joe Harmon, son of Thomas).

1901 Census: House 18 Salterstown, Co Louth.
Joseph Harmon, age 41, Head of Family, Roman Catholic, born Co Louth,
occupation Farmer; wife Mary Harmon, age 28, Roman Catholic, born
Australia; son Philip, age 6, born Australia; son Thomas, age 3 born Co
Louth; daughter Mary, age 2 born Co Louth; son Leo no age shown, born Co
Louth; uncle Joseph, age 73, occupation Retired Draper

1911 Census: House 36 Salterstown, Co Louth.
Joseph Harmon, age 53, Head of Family, Roman Catholic, occupation Farmer,
born Co Louth. Mary Harmon, wife, age 42, Roman Catholic, born Australia;
son Philip, age 16 born Australia; son Thomas, age 13 born Co Louth;
daughter Mary, age 11 born Co Louth; son Leo age 10 born Co Louth; son
Vincent age 8 born Co Louth; son Patrick, age 6, born Co Louth; daughter
Ellen age 3 born Co Louth.

HARRINGTON, DAVID, lived at 75 George’s Street,
Drogheda, in accommodation owned by the Irish Sailors and Soldiers Land
Trust.

HASLIN, Private, JOHN ELLIGAN, 2161, 36
Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Born Drogheda, Co Louth. Roman
Catholic. Occupation painter. Next-of-kin, Mrs Alice Russell, 9 Trouton
Street, Balmain, Sydney, Australia, sister. Served two years and three
months in Tonicroft (Thornycroft?) Mounted Infantry, South Africa (Boer
War). Enlisted 26 April 1916, age 33 and six months. Arrived in England
11 October 1916. Went Absent Without Leave 9 December 1916 and declared an
illegal absentee. Apprehended in London 15 April 1917, sentenced to 120
days detention. Released 8 August 1917, posted to France 9 September 1917.
Wounded in action, gunshot wound in the left leg, 12 October 1917.
Transferred to England 29 October 1917. Discharged from hospital 25
January 1918. Embarked for Australia 8 April 1918. Disembarked Australia
28 May 1918. To hospital . Went absent without leave 20 October 1918.
Discharged in consequence of being illegally absent 21 July 1920.

(There is a John Henry, Castlebellingham, listed in
Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915, see Edward Bellingham)

HENRY, R, from Rathnestin.

A correspondent of the “Irish Times” says that in the
list, already published of those who are either serving at the front, or
in training from the County Louth, there were some notable omissions.
Amongst others he mentions are: Sir A Vere Foster (Glyde Court), Major C M
O’Reilly (Knock Abbey), Major Taaffe and Son (Smarmore Castle), Mr R Henry
(Rathnestin), Mr Shaw Hamilton (Ard Ronan), Mr Macardle (Dundalk), Mr
Backhouse (Dundalk), Mr Daly (Oriel Temple). In addition, Major Cliff and
Colonel Guinness each have a son, and Colonel Jones two sons, serving.
These are all commissioned officers. Some 500 men have enlisted since the
war, in addition to a large number of reservists, who have rejoined and
those who were already serving with the colours.

John Higgins, of Broughton Street, was acting as mate
of the Dundalk, owing to the illness of his brother. He was one of the
five landed on Wednesday afternoon, and in an interview with A “Democrat”
reporter he gave details of the awful occurrence. Everything went well
from 6 p.m. until 11, at which hour he was going to his room, having been
relieved by the captain on the bridge. Just then the “Dundalk” was hit by
a torpedo, fair in the engine-room on the port side, and sank immediately.
He and another of the crew – a man named Byrne – got into one of the
lifeboats, which was soon on a level with the water. The lifeboat was got
clear of the steamer and, hearing cries for help, they picked up the
others who landed with them. In the explosion, which was terrific, the
main derrick was thrown down and crashed on the lifeboat, damaging her
badly. The plight of the seven men in a small boat can be imagined. For
seventeen hours they kept afloat, rowing all the time and baling their
little boat, which was so badly damaged that she made little water. They
had no food, only a little fresh water and, as the mate expressed it, not
as much tobacco as would fill a pipe. The constant rowing and baling
throughout those 17 hours on a cold October day told on the occupants of
the boat. Before they were rescued they suffered greatly from pains and
the intense cold, and two of their number are still in a hospital in
Holyhead.

Asked if he had seen the submarine, Mt Higgins replied,
“Not until she struck us. When we were in the small boat drifting around,
the submarine remained on the top for about 5 minutes and then skirted
off.” By this time the “Dundalk” had gone down.

While in the water he saw another of the “Dundalk’s”
boats come off. He believes there were six or seven in it, but in the
darkness they drifted apart and he never saw it after.

Asked if they had been passed by any boat, Mr Higgins
replied that a collier had passed them going so close they were nearly put
down. The men in the lifeboat called for help “and, said Mr Higgins, “I
called the captain of the boat by name.” After going a distance the
collier eased a bit but did not come near them.

Throughout their long vigil in the open boat the men
had up a flag of distress – an old blanket flying from a n oar. They saw
one boat pass them, but it was too far off to observe the men in
difficulty.

At half past four on Tuesday afternoon a seaplane was
plying over them, and on seeing the signal at once turned and scouted for
assistance. This soon arrived in the shape of the trawler “Stormcock” and
the men were taken and landed at Holyhead.

“While we were in the trawler, “ said the survivor, “we
were treated as well as men could be treated. We got plenty of food,
cigarettes and everything – in fact we wanted for nothing. The Admiralty
Captain, Captain Norton, is a gentleman and looked after everyone of us in
the best way. Lieut Green at Holyhead was also anxious for us and got us
permission for us to get aboard the mail boat and sleep the night there.
In Dublin this morning Mr Ede of the North Wall, and the manager of the
Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society saw that we got everything we wanted.

In the small boat the men kept the oars going all the
time, and it was necessary if they were to keep afloat until help arrived
that baling should be constantly done. The night was “not too bad – if
nothing worse came on.”

Mr Higgins who is a well known local seaman and
ordinarily a member of the crew of the Bessbrook, felt of course the
severe effects of the exposure, but otherwise is all right. He has a wife
and several young children, and has been heartily congratulated on his
escape. (Dundalk Democrat, 26 October 1918)

Lce-Corpl. J Hoey, 8th Royal Dublin
Fusiliers (Irish Brigade) has been awarded the D.C.M. for conspicuous
bravery in action against the Germans on April 27th. He is a
native of Castlebellingham. Colonel Edward Bellingham is in command of the
regiment, in which numerous Co. Louth men are serving. At the front they
have named themselves “Bellingham’s Own”.

(Dundalk Democrat,13 August 1916)

(Possibly James or John Hoey, Castlebellingham, both
of whom are listed in Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915, see Edward
Bellingham. To date I have been unable to trace any record of a Lce Cpl
Hoey , RDF who was awarded the D.C.M.)

Dear Editor – Just a line from two Dundalk boys who are
serving their King and country and will be in France in the course of a
few days. We are sending you Cardinal Bourne’s address to the Irish
Brigade. He is a real nice old man. There are a good lot of boys from
about the old town soldiering here. All are happy and in the very best
health and anxious to strike a good blow for the dear homeland. Hoping you
will publish this letter and the Cardinal’s address in your paper, which
we are glad to get from home every week, particularly to see the Gaelic
Notes.

Private T. Brennan, 1987, Blackrock

Private T Hogan, Mary Street, Dundalk.

‘Go on the Geraldines’

(Also attached was a long address from Cardinal Bourne,
reported as follows ‘On Sunday, November 14th, 1915, his
Eminence Cardinal Bourne visited the 16th (Irish Division at
Farnborough, on the invitation of General Sit Laurence Parsons, K.C.B. In
his address, his Eminence said’ (in part)

You have given yourself as free men in the full use of
your freedom to the service of your country. There has been no compulsion
of the law, but it is your own sense of duty, your own conscience, and
that alone, which has enabled you to take up arms in defence of your
Country, of your Empire, and of your King. … There was a moment, you will
remember, when our enemies thoroughly counted upon our own political
dissensions, believing that thereby we in the United Kingdom should be
rendered impotent in face of the foe, and there were some, no doubt, at
home who shared the apprehensions that gave rise to those hopes in the
breast of our enemies. But the historical declaration of the Leader of the
Irish Nationalist Party, Mr John Redmond at the outset of the war, a
declaration which, I think, will live in the proud and grateful memory of
the Irish race throughout the world, swept away at once the hopes of our
enemies and the apprehensions of our friends. … Be prepared, therefore, if
God asks you to make the supreme sacrifice of your lives; be prepared to
pass into his divine presence; have your hearts and souls ready cleansed
from sin, and ready to go into the presence of God himself. As you know,
you have every opportunity of practicing your Faith and of approaching the
Holy Sacraments. You have your chaplains ready at your disposal. If more
chaplains are needed, I know that there will be no difficulty on the part
of the authorities. So I say to you again, be prepared, ready, to go forth
to do your duty as good children of Ireland and good sons of the Catholic
Church. May God be with you. May he watch over you. May He guard you and
enable you in every place and what ever your duties may be, to do your
duty to your country and to your Empire, and to your King.

(Dundalk Democrat,18 December 1915)

Mrs Hogan, Mary Street, Dundalk, has received
intimation from the War Office that her son, Private T Hogan, of the 7th
Battalion Leinster Regiment, has been admitted to the general hospital in
France suffering from a grenade wound in the chest. (Dundalk Democrat,
8 July 1916)

A sporting correspondent writes –“Another Louth man has
joined the colours. One of the best sportsmen and hardest cross-country
riders in Louth (Mr George Holmes of Dillon House) has got a commission in
a cavalry regiment.

(Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915)

HOLT, J snr. From Peter Street, Dundalk.
(Tempest’s Annual 1916)

HOLT, J jnr. From Peter Street, Dundalk.
(Tempest’s Annual 1916)

HORAN, Private, FRANCIS, 1 Battalion, Irish
Guards. From Dundalk.

In the list of wounded published during the week
appears the name of Private Frank Horan, of the Irish Guards. Private
Horan, who was employed in Dundalk, volunteered for service in the Irish
Guards and has been serving with the 1st Battalion of that
regiment in France for some time past.

(Dundalk Democrat, 23 October 1915)

HOSIE, JAMES, from Castlebellingham district.

(Report of meeting in Annagassan chaired by Brigadier
General Edward Bellingham)He suggested that the ex-servicemen form
a club to look after their interests under the new Act, or in the
alternative form a branch of the Comrades of the Great War or the
Discharged or Demobilised Sailors and Soldiers Federation.

Immediately afterwards a branch of the D S and S A was
formed of which the following officials were appointed – President, Jas
Hosie; Treasurer, Robt. Donnan, Secretary, Owen Campbell. About 50 members
were enrolled.

Mr H Megan, well known in football circles in Drogheda
a few years ago, and who was employed in the “Advertiser” Office before he
went to Canada, has sent the following cutting from the Toronto “Evening
Telegram”. Mr Megan, it may be stated, volunteered at the outbreak of the
war, but would not be accepted owing to an injury to his toes received
while playing football in Canada a few years back.

Corporal Howting was well known in Drogheda, being a
nephew of Mr A T Mitchell, Stamullen, and brother-in-law of Mr W Elliot,
Drogheda. A photo of Corporal Howting appears in the same issue of “The
Telegram”, with his little son, Willie, who gathered more money on Red
Cross Day at Brantford than anyone else there:-

JEERED CRIPPLES SOLDIER

SLACKERS GET IT WRONG

USING HIS CRUTCH CORPORAL HOWTING SET SNEERING YOUTHS
TO FLIGHT ON YONGE STREET SATURDAY NIGT.

Corporal A J Howting, a crippled soldier who is
undergoing treatment at the Convalescent Hospital in College Street, was
walking slowly up Yonge street on Saturday night about 9 o’clock, and when
about 100 yards below College Street he met a party of ladies, who, as
they passed, expressed sympathy with the poor soldier who was so
laboriously making his way along with the aid of a pair of crutches. Just
as the ladies passed by, the Corporal was arrested by a remark about
“these fellows getting sympathy which is not deserved.”

His Irish was up

Corporal Howting was born in Drogheda, Ireland, and of
course an Irishman could not let a thing like that pass unnoticed. He
espied three young fellows in civilian clothes standing at the lighted
window of a store, and as there was no one else around he concluded that
the remark came from that quarter. He caught the young men laughing, and
hobbling over to them, he asked what they were laughing at. “Did you mean
what you said there?”, he asked; “are you laughing at me?”

There was no answer, but one fellow a little taller and
a little older than the others sneered. That was enough for the corporal.
His blood was up.

Slackers beat it.

Come on, you slackers; come on you pasty-faced,
chicken-hearted cowards. There’s not a man among you. I’ll take the three
of you, “ and grasping one of his crutches, he made for the youths.

One of them made to stand his ground, but that avenging
crutch seemed too much for him, and the three “heroes” beat it up Yonge
street and along Carlton Street.

“If I could have got them,” said the corporal, “I’d
have swept the street with them. Fancy three slackers like that sneering
at one who is doing his bit. I don’t like these crutches any better than
anybody else, but I’ve got to use them.”

Could not sleep.

Two ladies who had seen what had happened made for a
policemen across the street, and asked him to protect the soldier. They
might have saved themselves the trouble, for the answer they got was: “Oh,
he’s all rights The men in that uniform can look after themselves pretty
well.” When seen at the hospital yesterday, the corporal said that he
could not sleep all night thinking about what he had missed. What I would
have given to have got at them. That’s what worries me. I just would have
liked to have smashed them …GET REST

(Drogheda Advertiser, 25 March 1916)

HOWTING, JOHN, of Grandview Brantford, Canada,
late of North Road, Drogheda. Enlisted as army mechanic in Toronto in 4
Brigade Royal Engineers. (Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15
April 1916)

HOWTING, ROBERT, of Grandview Brantford, Canada,
late of North Road, Drogheda. Enlisted as army mechanic in Toronto in 4
Brigade Royal Engineers. Served for three years in Dufferin Rifles. (Roll
of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April 1916)

A Royal Irish Fusilier, in a letter to his friend in
Drogheda writes : - “There is a Drogheda chap here of the name of Hudson
who had a very narrow escape a few days after we went into the trenches. A
bullet struck his equipment strap just over his heart, entered his pocket
and out through a lot of letters, it then went down to his bottom pocket,
cut through a leather purse and came out through the bottom right hand
side of his coat. He showed it to me next morning, only I saw it I would
never have believed that a bullet could be turned in such a way. These
days all the lads are asking what had he in his pockets that the bullet
wanted so badly. (Drogheda Independent, 3 July 1915)

HUGHES, Sergeant, ARTHUR, 9199 Inniskilling
Fusiliers and 9148 Connaught Rangers. From Ravensdale, Dundalk. Enlisted
Connaught Rangers 10 August 1907, to Inniskilling Fusiliers October 1907.
Served in China and India before the war. In France from 1915. Wounded
March 1918 and discharged December 1918. Full service file available on
ancestry.co.uk

In the list of recipients of certificates of honour
published in last week’s “Democrat” the name of Mr Wm Hughes, 33 Parnell
Park was omitted. Mr Hughes has a son who has been in the firing line in
France since last July. (Dundalk Democrat, 25 December 1915)

On 30 October 1924, the remains of six men executed by
National Army firing squad during the Civil War, were re-interred in St.
Patricks Cemetery, Dundalk.

It was estimated that there were a thousand people
inside the cemetery grounds when, at the end of the ceremony, a number of
men in civilian clothing, took out revolvers and fired three volleys over
the graves. National Army officers in civilian clothing drew weapons and
rushed the grave. Uniformed soldiers at the perimeter, opened fire over
the heads of the people gathered, while other soldiers rushed into the
graveyard. Shooting continued for five minutes and panic ensued. Some
people made for the exits, but most, including priests and members of the
Gardai lay on the ground or hid behind tombstones in the torrents of rain.
When the firing died down the people rushed for the exits or jumped
boundary fences and walls to escape. A cordon of bayonet-wielding troops
cleared one section of the graveyard. Twenty men were arrested, although
only two, Ivor Monaghan and Tom Rogers remained in custody that night. One
man was fatally wounded, Joseph Hughes, a native of Dundalk who was living
in Scotland and was home on holiday. Hughes was a post office official who
had served and been wounded while serving in a Scottish regiment during
the Great War. He was seen running towards the Protestant part of the
graveyard when he was wounded in the abdomen. Hughes was removed to
hospital where he was operated on but died shortly afterwards.

An inquest was held over two days on Saturday 1
November and 12 November. The evidence given by National Army, Garda and
civilian witnesses would lend veracity to an opinion that the army’s
actions bordered on the reckless. Dr Clarke who had operated on Hughes,
stated that Hughes informed him that he had been standing close to the
graves and the army was behind him. After a volley of shots was fired at
the graveside he heard someone say ‘Come on boys, we’ll get them now’ as
the soldiers passed through. Hughes turned to run away and as he did so he
was wounded. Hughes also said that as he fell he saw a military man beside
him…

…The jury brought in a verdict that deceased died from
shock and haemorrhage following a bullet wound, but there was no evidence
to show by whom the wound was inflicted. The following rider was added to
the verdict ‘The jury are of opinion that the situation was handled
injudiciously by the military authorities.’

(extract from unpublished PhD thesis, Violence and
political factionalism and their affects on North Louth 1874-1943,
Donal Hall (Maynooth, 2009))

(Extract from newspaper report of inquest) Peter
M’Cluskey said he was a cousin of the deceased whose remains he
identified. The deceased was a postal telephonist in Glasgow. He was
single and aged 26 years. Deceased had come to Dundalk on the 17th
October on a holiday and on that date witness saw him , Deceased was in
god health. With the exception of wounds – a fracture of the left leg –
which the deceased had received in France, deceased had always enjoyed
good health.

Mr O’Hagan – Do you know what his wages were in the
Post Office? About £3 a week

Was he also in receipt of an army pension? Yes of 14/-
a week.

Do you know if he was the sole supporter of his widowed
sister Mrs MacGonigal and her three children? Yes she was.

To Mr Hamill – The deceased had no other brothers or
sisters living.

(Dundalk Democrat 8 November 1924)

Funeral of Joseph Hughes

The people of Dundalk turned out in thousands on Sunday
night and accompanied the remains of Joseph Hughes, the victim of the
cemetery shooting from the Louth Infirmary, where he died, to St Patrick’s
Cathedral, where the bier was left on the catafalque before the High Altar
overnight. So dense was the throng that many could not gain an entrance to
the church while the prayers for the dead were being recited.

On Monday afternoon the funeral took place from St
Patrick’s Cathedral to Castletown Cemetery and was of exceedingly large
dimensions. Though it was market day in Dundalk, all business was
temporarily suspended while the mournful procession wended its way through
the streets of the town

Six of deceased’s school companions acted as
pall-bearers. The Rev C Hurson Adm., assisted by Rev WQ Butterly C.C.
officiated at the graveside. (Dundalk Democrat, 8 November 1924)

Wounded in the right shoulder and permanently disabled,
Private Thomas Hughes, bomb thrower, 51st Battalion Australian
Imperial Forces, arrived in Dundalk during the week. He is a native of
Walterstown and well known in Dundalk. He arrived quite unexpectedly and
unannounced. His people believed he had been killed in the Gallipoli
Peninsula, where all his comrades save five went down. These five were
sent to France, and Private Hughes is now one of the surviving three.
Enquiries from the War Office elicited no information for the last twelve
months, so that the soldier’s return was a very welcome surprise to his
mother and family and his many friends in Walterstown and Dundalk. He is a
brother-in-law of Mr P M’Cusker, Earl Street.

Those who advocate Conscription in Ireland might read
with interest the record of a football club from that same townland of
Walterstown. In 1914 when the war broke out the team numbered 24. Of these
nine were reservists. Nineteen joined the Colours. There are very few of
them left. Those who were not killed were wounded, and that football team
will hardly play a match again. Can any football team in England, prior to
Conscription in that country, offer such a record? (Dundalk Democrat,
28 October 1916)

HUNT, J. From 14 Hill Street, Dundalk.
(Tempest’s Annual 1916)

HURST, W WILLIAMS. Royal Army Service Corps.
Clerk in the Post Office.

(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April
1916)

HUSSEY, PATRICK, 17 Field Company, Royal
Engineers. From North Road, Drogheda. (Roll of Honour, Drogheda
Advertiser, 15 April 1916)

HYNES, FRANCIS, ‘joined the navy and is supposed
to be in the North Sea.’ From Dunleer district. (Drogheda Advertiser,
15 January 1916). Brother of Frederick and Thomas Hynes. (Listed in
Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915, see Edward Bellingham)

We have had a letter from Mr Tom Johnston, who is at
Salonika or somewhere thereabouts, and is well. He has met one Dundalk man
named Quigley who is also “in the pink of condition” (Dundalk Democrat,
15 September 1916)

JOHNSTON, THOMAS, Royal Engineers. From Dundalk.

Mr Tom Johnston, Sanitary Inspector to the Urban
Council, has enlisted for the term of the war in the Engineers, and will
leave in a day or two. The Urban council has given him leave of absence,
with part pay. Mr Johnston has already seen service during the Boer War,
having been in South Africa for some time before the outbreak. (Dundalk
Democrat, 3 April 1915)

A certain
melancholy interest attaches to a letter we had the other day from Mr Tom
Johnston, who is convalescing in the Glasgow Red Cross Hospital. He writes
“We have a Yorkshire man here, minus an eye, who was actually at poor John
McShane’s side when he received his fatal wound. Corporal McShane, who was
in charge of a digging party, seeing that his man was “done up,” took the
tools himself to give the Yorkshireman a “spell.” Later on an officer came
up and wished to speak to John. He handed the tools to Yorky and got into
conversation with the officer. A German sniper, seeing them standing out
over the men, and probably taking them both for officers, fired and the
bullet hit poor John near the end of the spine. He died in 5 or 10 minutes
- RIP. Mr Johnston has a “fragment” of shrapnel as a souvenir. It is a
piece of tram rail 8 or 9 inches long. It is right to add that it was not
this particular fragment that wounded him.

A correspondent of the “Irish Times” says
that in the list, already published of those who are either serving at the
front, or in training from the County Louth, there were some notable
omissions. Amongst others he mentions are: Sir A Vere Foster (Glyde
Court), Major C M O’Reilly (Knock Abbey), Major Taaffe and Son (Smarmore
Castle), Mr R Henry (Rathnestin), Mr Shaw Hamilton (Ard Ronan), Mr
Macardle (Dundalk), Mr Backhouse (Dundalk), Mr Daly (Oriel Temple). In
addition, Major Cliff and Colonel Guinness each have a son, and Colonel
Jones two sons, serving. These are all commissioned officers. Some 500 men
have enlisted since the war, in addition to a large number of reservists,
who have rejoined and those who were already serving with the colours.

(A Joseph Keating was active in British Legion in
Dundalk and negotiated with Irish Sailors and Soldiers Trust on behalf of
tenants of the Trusts houses in Dundalk.

KEATING, SAMUEL, Royal Army Medical Corps. From
Queen’s Hotel, Dundalk.

(Tempest’s Annual 1916)

KEAGAN, Private, THOMAS, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
From Drogheda

Pte Thomas Keagan of the Dublin Fusiliers and an old
Company Commander in the Drogheda Volunteers, writes to Mr Peter Clinton
from Limburg, Germany, where he is a prisoner of war, as follows – “Dear
Mr Clinton – just a P O on behalf of six old Volunteers who are here
prisoners of war. We are enjoying good health. The only thing we are short
of is tobacco and cigarettes, and we would be very thankful to you and our
comrades if you could see your way to send some out to us. Tell all our
comrades we were asking for them. Faithfully yours, Thom Keagan.

Those Drogheda man have been prisoner of war since the
27th of last August. Needless to say the local Volunteers are
not by any means going to allow the appeal to pass unheeded, and any well
wisher who would like to send a whiff to Limburg, will obtain full
information from Mr Clinton or any member of the Corps. (Drogheda
Independent, 15 May 1915)

KEARNS, Private, PATRICK, 1 Battalion Royal
Irish Rifles. Has been home wounded and has now joined his regiment.

KEARNEY, cattleman, PATRICK, crew member of S S
Dundalk. From Dowdallshill, Dundalk. Survivor of the sinking of SS
Dundalk by U-Boat Attack, 14 October 1918.

Patrick Kearney, of Dowdallshill, a young unmarried man
who is one of the survivors landed in Dundalk on Wednesday, gave a vivid
account of his experiences when the Dundalk was sent to the bottom by the
Germans. When seen by a “Democrat” reporter he was in bed suffering from
an injury to his side and from the effects of the awful ordeal through
which he has passed. Kearney had worked on the quay for the past number
of years, but a week ago was sent as charge cattleman on the “Dundalk” the
man who ordinarily did that work having been laid up with influenza. At 11
o’clock on Monday night he and four others were fast asleep in the deck
cabin known as the smoking room when he was awakened by a tremendous
noise. Clad only in his shirt and trousers Kearney rushed to the deck and
found the vessel split in two and fast sinking by the head. While running
to the deck he observed Captain O’Neill on the bridge, but he never saw
him later. He and his companions in the deck cabin – Frank Deery, James
Tuite and Joe Fox, rushed to the lifeboats. Kearney made for the starboard
after boat in which were the mate and a seaman (Byrne). In getting in he
was jammed between the davit and the boat, and his side was injured. By
the time he reached the boat that part of the deck was under water, which
reached his chest. AS his lifeboat took the water they heard a shout from
two men who were clinging on to some floating wreckage. They rowed around
and threw a line which one of them caught. They succeeded in getting the
two men in. Both were gunners. One of them had been laid up with influenza
and was very sick. He was clad only in a singlet and drawers, suffered
horribly from the cold in the water, and was helpless when taken into the
boat. The other gunner (Connor) had been on watch at the time and wore top
boots and a heavy overcoat. It was with great difficulty they got him into
the boat.

“The submarine then came alongside only about 30 yards
off us,” said Kearney. “I could see a man standing near the conning tower.
One of our crowd shouted to him, asking would he not try to save out
lives. He paid no attention, and in a short time he went down.”

He saw the other lifeboat with Mulqueen and the others
getting off, but he did not again see them. When the Dundalk went down
the place around was covered with wreckage. They rowed around trying to
pick up the others, but they could hear or see nothing.

“Did any ship pass you while in the lifeboat, “ out
representative asked.

“Yes” Kearney replied, “a coal boat passed us.” I did
not know who it was . She was only about 15 yards off and could have
thrown a heaving line to us; in fact she nearly ran us down. We were just
picking up the two men that I told you about and we shouted “Steamer
ahoy!” and also shouted if he was going away without us. The captain of
the coal boat shouted something from the bridge, but we were lifting
Connor up at the time and I didn’t hear what he said. The collier went on
for about 150 yards and then eased down. We thought he was going to wait,
but he didn’t come back at all.

The survivor then told of their 17 hours in the open
boat, in which there was some water but no food. Four of them had to keep
at the oars until daybreak. The boat was injured by the explosion of the
torpedo and made water forward, and two men had to keep baling out. “All
the time we were in the boat,” he said, “we were up to our knees in water.
One of the gunners was very ill, and we wrapped the blankets we had in the
boat about him.” When daylight came six of the men were rowing and baling,
and it was decided to make for a point on the Welsh coast. The rudder had
been knocked off the lifeboat. The unfortunate gunner who was ill helped
to direct the course by compass. In this way they made slow progress from
daybreak until 4 o’clock on Tuesday. They could see trawlers off the
Cumberland coast, but their flag of distress – a blanket hoisted on an oar
0- failed to attract notice. Finally as the shades of another night were
looming in the sky scouting aeroplanes came in sight and one of them came
close and dropped a message. Very shortly afterwards a trawler came
alongside and picked them up.

KEASKIN, JAMES, from Seabank.(Listed in
Dundalk Democrat, 16 October 1915, see Edward Bellingham).

KEEGAN, Private, THOMAS, Royal Dublin Fusiliers.
From Hand Street, Drogheda. Served at the front with the Dublin Fusiliers
and has been a prisoner of war in Germany since the outbreak.
(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April 1916)

KELLY, Captain, CHARLES, Royal Army Medical
Corps.Also known as Carlisle Kelly. Born on 5th October
1891. He was son of John B Kelly, Medical Doctor and Fellow of the Royal
College of Surgeon of Ireland, and Charlotte Kelly. The family lived at
Lawrence Street, Drogheda.

KELLY, EDWARD, Australian Imperial Force, Born
Drogheda, Co Louth. Age 26, occupation Labourer. Roman Catholic.
Next-of-kin, Mrs J Kelly, 34 North Strand, Drogheda, Ireland, mother.
Enlisted 12 July 1915. To Egypt as stowaway October 1915. Returned to
Australia April 1916. Letter 1 February 1949 to State Representative:
‘after enlisting in the forces, (Mr Kelly) stowed away on a troopship and
proceeded to Egypt, he was temporarily attached to the 11th
reinforcements 11th Battalion, but he was not allocated a
regimental number. He was admitted to Special Mental hospital and returned
to Australia as a “Bad Mental Case” admitted to hospital in Western
Australia and later discharged as medically unfit.’

KELLY. JAMES, 164, 5 Mobile Veterinary Section,
Australian Imperial Force. Enlisted 1 February 1915 at Alexandria, Egypt.
Age 30 years, 11 months. Born Drogheda, Co Louth. Occupation Baker.
Previously apprenticed to Galbraith, Drogheda. Roman Catholic. Next-of-kin
Mrs B Kelly, No 1 Singleton Cottages, Mell, Drogheda, Co Louth, mother.
Appointed Lance-Corporal. July 13, 1915, charged with being drunk and
absent without leave. Reduced to private and forfeit 7 days pay. January
21, 1916 fined 10/- for being drunk in Egypt. Serving in France by March
1917. On 21 March 1917 charged with neglect of duty being absent from his
post while on piquet duty, awarded 7 days Field Punishment No 2. Returned
to Australia November 1919. Discharged 20 November 1919. Awarded 1914/15
Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

The following letters received from Peter Kelly, and
Private T Moore with the Expeditionary Force in France, have been handed
in to us for publication.

France 22nd October, 1915

Dear Mother – I had a little adventure the other day,
and went a little too near the Germans. I was never in so tight a corner
before. I had to jump into a German advanced trench to escape being shot.
The worst of it was that I had to get out of this when the Germans came
along and I had to lie out in the cold all day between the lines I was
badly cramped, but when I got back the officers gave me a shot of brandy
and plenty of grub. I never got such a do out before. The weather here is
getting cold and I am afraid the war will last this winter and one after
that by the looks of things. The major said he wouldn’t let me go out any
more till I git a Distinguished Service Medal. It is only for the
excitement of the thing I go out because it is in my blood to find out
what the Germans are doing, but I have codded them every time. Dear
Mother, don’t think me foolhardy for doing it, I would get hit as quickly
in our trenches or going along roads as I would between the lines if God
willed it. Your loving son, P Kelly.

France 22 October 1915

Dear Mrs Kelly

Excuse this liberty that I take of writing to you, but
your son is a great chum of mine, ands I will now give you an account of
an adventure that he had a couple of days ago, and I think that he will
get the VC over it, but it might cost him his life; he was very lucky to
get back to us. It was a foggy morning and Peter along with Sergeants
Gladding and Keenan, thought it would be a fine thing to go out and try
and discover if the enemy had any working parties out. Foggy mornings are
always great for reconnoitring purposes. I was on sentry go and we all
watched them disappear beyond the fog. A few minutes we heard a sharp
succession of shots and we knew they had been discovered. We were all
alert now, and we watched the direction where they had disappeared
intently. Suddenly a figure was seen coming towards us through the mist,
when he got nearer we saw that it was Sergt Keenan. Well, to make a long
story short, Sergt Gladding and been shot through the neck, Lce Cpls
Sullivan and Byrne went back with Sergt Keenan and helped Sgt Gladding in.
The major was very sorry for this Sergt as he was a very capable NCO. The
stretcher bearers were sent for and they carried him off to the dressing
station. But what of Peter. There were all kinds of rumours as to what
happened to him. Everything (even Sergeant Gladding’s wound) was of minor
importance compared to his disappearance, as everyone here thinks a lot
about Kelly. Some said that Sergeant Keenan saw him seized by four Germans
as he disappeared into an advanced trench of theirs; but Sergeant Keenan
(who I afterwards saw) said that Peter had jumped in the German trench
just as Sergt Gladding got shot. Well, various were the speculations as to
what became of him, and when the fog lifted we all; came to the conclusion
that he had been captured at last. I got relieved soon afterwards, and
went off to a dug-out for a sleep. I was wakened up by a comrade for my
“cha” (tea). It was now 5 p.m. The tea was carried up from the ruined
village, where our cooks were, by a fatigue party of the supports., and it
was a tedious job getting along with the “dixies” through narrow
communication trenches. Six o’clock arrives. It is now “Stand to2 and
every man sees to his rifle and mans the parapet. Seven o’clock arrives.
Out artillery sends over a few souvenirs to the Allemande (Germans). The
Huns replied with 18 pounders and a rapid fire.

Suddenly a voice is heard. It is Peter’s, and everyone
is delighted. He is going to the Major’s dig-out. He had just come in, and
when he was half ways over the rapid fire started. He had to lie flat on
his stomach and chance escaping being hit. He told me afterwards that when
he jumped into the German trench a few minutes later a German came towards
him without a rifle. Peter fired at him, got out of the trench, and had to
lie all day in the long grass between the lines, shifting his position now
and then to escape observation. But, you bet, we were all glad he got
back. Yours truly, T Noone (sic) (Drogheda Independent, 27 November
1917)

KELLY, LUKE, Royal Navy, HMS Duke of Clarence.
From North Road, Drogheda. Served on HMS ???, which was mined in October
1915.

(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April
1916)

KELLY, MATTHEW,Dublin Fusiliers. From
Windmill Lane, Drogheda.

(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April
1916)

KELLY, Captain, P, S S Dotterl. From
Drogheda

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool on Monday, presented
cheques of 100 guineas awarded by the Liverpool and London War Risks
Association to Capt E F Brennell and Capt P Kelly of the Cork Steamship
Company’s vessels Avicet and Dotterel, for their gallant conduct and
skill in escaping from attacks of German aircraft near West Hinder
lightship on October 30th and November 4th
respectively. Mr Normal Hall said that in no instance recorded had greater
gallantry been shown. Captain Kelly is a Drogheda man.

Among the distinctions gazetted last week was that of
Drummer William Kenny, 2nd Gordon Highlanders, awarded the V.C.
He is a native of Drogheda where his parents live. He is now in hospital
at Newtown Abbot, Devon, having been invalided out with a broken wrist
through a fall in the battlefield. In an interview he said: “There were
men lying about wounded and I simply brought them in. The maxims had to be
fetched and I did it. That’s all.

The “London Gazette” announces his distinction thus:
“Drummer Wm Kenny 6535 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders – For
conspicuous bravery on October 23, near Ypres in rescuing men on five
occasions under very heavy fire in the most fearless manner, and for twice
previously saving machine guns by carrying the out of action. On numerous
occasions Drummer Kenny conveyed urgent messages under very dangerous
circumstances over fire-swept ground.”

(Dundalk Democrat 27 February, 1915)

… William Kenny’s father, who served 23 years in the 1st
Battalion of the Gordons is still a hale man, while his mother is still
hale and hearty. This worthy pair saw a good deal of military life
together the old man’s regimental experiences lying amongst other places
in Gibraltar, China, Egypt, and South Africa – Durban and Natal. Old Kenny
during his service, secured five good-conduct clasps, and sports the
Khedive Star and Medal on account of his Egyptian experiences. His son
William who is one of thirteen children joined the colours some seventeen
years ago, saw war service during the Boer war, from which he brought
three medals. In consequence of the injuries sustained by William Kenny –
a broken wrist, he has been unable himself to write to his parents and the
only news that have received from him since he met with the accident which
relegated him to hospital has been the occasional line from someone
connected with the hospital.

The feeling amongst young Kenny’s fellow-townsmen at
the bravery he has shown and the distinction he has earned is one of very
natural jubilation, and from every side congratulations are being poured
in upon his worthy parents for the well deserved distinction which their
heroic son’s gallantry has won for him. (Dundalk Democrat, 27
February 1915)

Drummer Kenny Home in Drogheda

A hero of the war

On last Wednesday Drummer Kenny, who has gained honours
of distinction on the battlefield for deeds of bravery and daring do, and
who has been awarded a Victoria Cross as a memento of same, returned to
Drogheda for a short stay. He was wounded at the Front, and after spending
some time in an n English hospital he has been sent home to recuperate in
his native air. He arrived at Drogheda by the mid-day train, where he was
met by his father and mother and other Drogheda citizens including the
Mayor (Mr L J Elcock, J P), and Mr Walker, with whom he motored to his
parental residence at Green Hills. Already he has been the recipient of
many presentations for his courageous conduct, and during the coming week
the people of Drogheda will show their appreciation and admiration of his
bravery by making a presentation to him and presenting him with the
freedom of the borough. His appearance in Drogheda was greeted with a
hearty welcome, and his many friends and well-wishers will be glad
to learn that he has d almost recovered from his wounds. The date of the
presentation will be announced later. (Drogheda Independent, 13
March 1915)

Drummer Wm Kenny, V.C. of the 1st Battalion
Gordon Highlanders, has been awarded the Order of the Third Class of St
George of Russia.

(Drogheda Independent, 28 August 1915)

Son of Mr Kenny (of Tighe’s Bull Ring), 2nd
Gordon Highlanders, obtained the VC for conspicuous bravery near Ypres on
23rd October 1914 rescuing wounded comrades and saving machine
guns by carrying them out of action.

(Roll of Honour, Drogheda Advertiser, 15 April
1916)

Drum-Major Kenny, V C, of the Gordon Highlanders, who
has been home again on ten days leave from France, has brought further
distinction to his native town of Drogheda. In the recent fighting on the
Somme his conspicuous gallantry brought him for the second time under the
notice of his Commanding Officer, who has recommended a bar for the
embellishment of his priceless medal. This is, in fact, the equivalent of
another VC. Unhappily the C O has since been killed, and it is not yet
certain whether the distinction recommended will be ultimately bestowed.
The Drum-Major expects to be in the firing line once more at the beginning
of next week. Good luck be with him.

It is reported that Mr Kerr, late organist of St
Nicholas’ Church who volunteered for service as a motor despatch rider at
the same time as Mr Dowdall, is ‘missing’. There is no official
confirmation, but ill news travels apace. Mr Kerr was a deserved popular
man in Dundalk and a very talented and accomplished musician. (Dundalk
Democrat, 11 November 1916)

We are glad to hear that Corporal T J H Kerr, of the
Motor Despatch Corps (formerly organist of St Nicholas’ Church who was
erroneously reported as ‘missing’ last November, is still safe and sound.
In a letter to his father on last Saturday Corporal Kerr states that up to
the present he has not had a scratch. (Dundalk Democrat, 30 October
1917)

Mr W C Kieran, A.S.C., son of Mr William Kieran, Castle
Road, who has been serving at the front for many months past, is lying
wounded in a military hospital near London. We are glad to learn he is
getting on well. He was hit while bringing up ammunition to the firing
line. Mr Kieran enlisted like so many other high-spirited young townsmen
shortly after the outbreak of war and had already done good service. (Dundalk
Democrat, 25 September 1915)

At Castlebellingham Petty sessions on Thursday – before
Dr P J O’Hagan, J P (chairman) and Messrs P Byrne, E J Caraher, and P
McGee, J Ps – a respectable-looking young girl named Anne Kinahan of
Dromiskin, was charged at the suit of the Crown, with (1) knowing that one
Wm Brown, a soldier, was about to desert, assisted him to desert by
supplying him with civilian attire, and with (2) receiving from Brown a
military uniform frock and cap.

D.I. Norris prosecuted, and the defendant was not
professionally represented.

D.I. Norris said on the first charge of aiding a
soldier to desert, the penalty set down under the Army Act was
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months. There was no provision for
a fine. For taking a military uniform a fine not exceeding £20 could be
imposed. When an army uniform was got in the possession of any person the
authorities would have to be satisfied that the person came by it
lawfully.

Constable Thompson deposed that the defendant had made
a statement to him that on the 31st August a soldier in uniform
came to her place and said that a woman (who she did not know) had sent
him there to get old clothes. She gave him an old coat and cap and he left
the frock and military cap wither. The man then left and went to a public
house. That was all she knew about it. He paid her no money for the
clothes and she did not think she was doing any harm. Continuing, the
constable stated that he got the old civilian clothes (produced) from a
deserter from the 8th Battalion of R.I.F. who had been handed
over to a military escort. He had got the military clothes in the
defendant’s house.

Accused pleaded guilty.

D I Norris said the offence was a very serious one. He
would point out however , that the girl had two brothers serving in the
Army. The Chairman said the magistrates had taken into account the fact
that the defendant had two brothers in the Army and they would let her off
under the Probation Acton her own bail of £5 and her father’s bail of a
similar amount. (Dundalk Democrat, 30 October 1915)

When the business of the Court had concluded, Mr
Mathews, J P, said he wished to congratulate Constable Patk Kinsella who
had volunteered for active service. They appreciated his pluck, they
tendered him their sincere wishes for his safe return with promotion and
the honours of war. He had known Constable Kinsella for some time and knew
him to be an excellent constable. Mr M’Gee, J P,; Mr Dromgoole (Clerk),
and Sergeant Callan also desired to be associated with what Mr Mathews had
said. Constable Kinsella made an appropriate reply. He left Dunleer later
in the day. (Dundalk Democrat, 16 January 1915)

Constable Patrick Kinsella, joined the Irish Guards
from Dunleer; was complimented by the magistrates at Petty Sessions, and
was the recipient of a presentation from the local residents. Regarded as
an efficient and popular officer. Has two brothers at the front, one being
a prisoner at Hamelin.

(Drogheda Advertiser, 15 January 1916)

KIRK, Private, E S. From Broughton Street,
Dundalk.

Private E S Kirk, of Broughton Street in a letter to
his mother says: ‘I was speaking to Capt. Carroll of Dundalk just before
he went home. He is always on the look-out for any Dundalk boys. We had a
talk over the old days when I was at the Christian Schools. I came across
Paddy Kearney out here, and shouted with joy when I clapped my eyes on
him. He was asking for all in Dundalk. J O’Hare was asking for the boys
also. This is interesting as shewing how Dundalk men feel the bond that
the old town makes between all her ‘boys’ – especially when away from her.
Pvte Kirk comes from a fighting family. His Uncle, Sam Duffy, is in the
trenches somewhere. When he was last home he had a prayer –book in which a
German bullet had imbedded itself. But for that it would have made a hole
through him large enough to let life out. (Dundalk Democrat, 23
June 1917)

KIRK, JAMES JOSEPH, 20 Battalion, D Company,
Australian Imperial Force. Born in Dundalk, Co Louth. Age twenty-four
years and one month. Roman Catholic. Occupation Steam Fitter. Previously
apprenticed with the Great Northern Railway, Dundalk, for three years and
six months. Next-of-kin Mr James Kirk, Dundalk, father. Enlisted 11
October 1915. Went absent without leave 8 December 1915 for 11 Days.
Fined five shillings. Charged at Liverpool, Australia, with desertion on
9 January 1916. Sentenced by General Court Martial on 24 March 1916 to
150 days Hard Labour and discharged from the army.

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